This is the official missionary page for Elder Hyrum Ruby serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the California Ventura area.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

We Did It!

Well, we did it! We sent our first missionary into the "mission field". It was a really good day. I was emotional at times, but overall I stayed composed. We did a little shopping in the morning and ate a fabulous lunch at a Brazilian BBQ with our good friend and wonderful host, Pauline. Afterward we went to the Provo Temple to walk around and take some pictures. Of course, Lily had to go to the bathroom, so we had to fix that:). At 1:15 pm we drove across the street to the MTC (Missionary Training Center) and pulled up to the curb. Elder Fox, a missionary going to Portugal, greeted us and helped with the bags. I hugged Hyrum with wet eyes and he told me he was ready to go. He was! Hyrum gave hugs to Haven, Lily, and Dad. Rowen didn't make the trip with us. He stayed in Buffalo with our family.

We watched him all the way to the front door. He looked back a few times, smiling. He was so happy and excited. I was happy and excited for him. Then a traffic director said to Blaine, "Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to move your car." We drove away with tears in our eyes, but with peace and joy.

We had a wonderful trip! Before we took Hyrum to the MTC, we spent time at Temple Square in Salt Lake City touring many of the buildings and spending time with Sister Oscarson, the General Young Women's President. She was absolutely wonderful. We enjoyed the visit very much. It was a lot of walking and Lily was a trooper! We also took a day to shop and drive by the Mount Timpanogas Temple. It was a rainy and dreary afternoon, so we didn't get out to take any pictures. Pauline was wonderful driving us around and sharing her home with us.

Lily, Sister Oscarson, and Haven

After dropping Hyrum off, we drove all the way home and woke up to 12 inches of snow and a cancelled school day. It was the perfect trip. We had a great time together and enjoyed as much of Hyrum as we could. It still hasn't hit me that I won't see him for 2 years. That is such a long time! The sacrifice will be worth it and the people he shares the gospel of Jesus Christ with will be eternally grateful.

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